The Senate chamber turned tense on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Minority Leader Abba Moro engaged in a heated exchange following the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Chukwu, representing Enugu East, announced his switch during plenary, citing the lingering internal crisis within the Labour Party. His move boosts the APC’s strength in the 10th Senate to 73 members — granting the ruling party a two-thirds majority and firmer control of the upper chamber.
Reacting to the defection, Akpabio mocked the opposition, describing their ranks as disorganised.
“I want a strong and vibrant opposition in Nigeria,” Akpabio said. “But where the minority parties are in tatters, the right thing is to join us and move the country forward. The PDP is on the ground, the Labour Party is in tatters, and the ADC crashed before it even took off.”
The Senate President congratulated the APC caucus for “gaining a strong senatorial district in Enugu,” before inviting Moro to respond.
Moro, visibly displeased, countered that the opposition remains firm despite the defections.
“With due respect, you are the President of the Senate, and I respect you, sir,” he began. “But no matter the numbers, we are capable of holding our own. Those leaving are only exercising their rights.”
Taking a swipe at Chukwu, Moro added, “My brother came here on the back of the Obidient Movement — on sympathy votes. But I wish him well as he moves to the last row.”
The defection leaves the Labour Party with just four senators, with Senator Okey Ezea (Enugu North) now the only LP senator from Enugu State. The PDP holds 28 seats, while the Social Democratic Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party have one each, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance retains two.
Chukwu’s exit marks another setback for the opposition, following the earlier defection of four senators from the PDP to the APC amid internal crises.
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